Changan Deepal S05 Ultra Hybrid: the Chinese SUV designed in Turin with a range of over 1,000 km

Extended-range hybrid powertrain

The S05 Ultra Hybrid’s powertrain combines a 172 kW (234 cv) permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 63 kW (86 cv), resulting in a total power output of 190 kW, equivalent to 258 cv. It is front-wheel drive.

Changan’s Ultra Hybrid system uses the internal combustion engine not only for propulsion at speeds above 70 km/h (at lower speeds, propulsion is electric) and during sudden acceleration, but also to maintain the charge in the electric motor’s battery. In automatic mode, it always maintains the charge between 30 and 40 per cent, but it is also possible to set this level to 80 per cent.

The manufacturer’s figures indicate acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 180 km/h. But the figure worth highlighting is the range: 100 km in pure electric mode (WLTP cycle) and 1,060 km of combined range, thanks to a 51-litre fuel tank. These figures, if confirmed in real-world use, place the S05 PHEV amongst the most competitive plug-in hybrids in its class in terms of total range.

The battery is an 18.4 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) unit, a choice that prioritises the lightness of the cell pack over energy density. AC charging is available at up to 11 kW, whilst DC charging reaches a peak of 55 kW: according to the manufacturer, charging from 30% to 80% takes 15 minutes. The Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function is also included as standard, allowing external devices, such as outdoor accessories, to be powered at up to 6 kW.

Another key factor is fuel consumption: two litres per 100 km in the combined cycle (that’s 50 km on a litre!), which rises to 5.4 litres when the battery is flat and the car is running on the internal combustion engine alone. CO₂ emissions are certified at 47 g/km in the weighted combined cycle, with an efficiency class of B.

Italian design

The S05 was developed at Changan’s European Design Centre in Turin; this is not merely a stylistic detail, but a signature feature across the entire bodywork, with the Turin skyline highlighted in the lower part of the front windscreen. The result is a 4.6-metre-long SUV, featuring taut surfaces, frameless windows, retractable door handles (now banned in China), and horizontally stretched rear lights with an integrated illuminated logo. A distinctive feature is the charge level indicator light positioned on the left-hand rear pillar.

With a wheelbase of 2.9 metres, the car offers a spacious interior, as well as plenty of room in the rear seats and the boot. The boot capacity starts at 552 litres and can be increased to 1,310 litres by folding down the rear seats in a 60:40 split.

The interior: a single screen, no physical buttons, a spacious centre console

The interior of the S05 Ultra Hybrid follows a radical approach to minimising physical controls. Passengers are greeted by a dashboard that is virtually devoid of buttons: almost everything is controlled via the central 15-inch touchscreen (which can be tilted in the Max version) with a 2.5K resolution. Fortunately, the menus are organised in a sufficiently intuitive way: the main functions can be accessed in just a few steps and are customisable. There are two trim levels available, Pro and Max, with the latter offering an electrically operated photochromic panoramic sunroof as an option.

Two omissions are worth noting, as they may confuse users: there is no dedicated display in front of the driver; driving information is projected onto the augmented reality head-up display (included in the Max trim level but not in the Pro); and there is no traditional glove compartment on the passenger side. On the other hand, the centre console is double-height with an unusually deep storage compartment.

The steering wheel, too, stands out for its simplicity: just a few physical buttons, clean lines, and a visual presence that is consistent with the cabin’s minimalist design. This approach requires a change in habits, but in this case it works: the overall effect conveys a sense of refined modernity, rather than cost-cutting. The finish, in the version we tested – with eco-leather seats and steering wheel – is of a high standard, exceeding what one might expect from this price range.

There are four driving modes available: Eco, Normal, Sport and a customisable mode. Both versions are compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and the multimedia system features between 8 and 14 speakers, depending on the trim level chosen.

Driving in the city: a positive first impression

A test carried out predominantly in an urban setting does not allow for definitive assessments of the car’s dynamic behaviour, but it does permit a number of observations. The S05 Ultra Hybrid responds promptly in electric mode, which is the predominant mode during everyday urban driving. The transition between electric and internal combustion power is handled fairly seamlessly, although not always imperceptible, but without any jolts. The MacPherson front suspension and multi-link rear suspension adequately filter out the bumps in the city road surface.

Power delivery is smooth, the driving position is comfortable and the steering felt precise to us. Visibility is good, thanks in part to the standard 360° camera, which activates automatically when the indicator is switched on and when manoeuvring in tight spaces.

Both versions come as standard with 17 ADAS systems, including Level 2 driver assistance (adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot detection, traffic jam assist, and others). All active safety systems are included in both trim levels.

Prices and availability

The Changan Deepal S05 Ultra Hybrid is already available for pre-order online, with a base price of 34,000 euros for the Pro version (including VAT, excluding road tax of 700 euros). The Max version, which adds features such as the AR HUD, a swivelling screen, 50 W wireless smartphone charging, an electric tailgate, and heated and ventilated front seats with memory function, is priced at €38,000. These prices may vary depending on promotions and launch offers, but you should always take into account fees, terms and interest rates.